Tire Breakdown Machine Hazards

• A tire breakdown machine uses hydraulic pressure to aid in the mounting and dismounting of tires. The machine has two main aspects; a hydraulic wedge to break bead seals, and a hydraulic table with a manually locking arm. The hydraulic rams in the machine apply hundreds of pounds of pressure, creating potential dangers. Operating a breakdown machine requires monitoring your work and exercising caution. Never operate a breakdown machine without proper training.

Bead Breaker

• The hydraulic wedge on most tire machines operates by push button. A tire is placed with the wedge aimed at the bead where it meets the rim, and you press a button activating the hydraulics. The danger appears as soon as you press the button. The machine has no safety stop. Anything in the way of the wedge will have hundreds of pounds of pressure applied, including hands, legs and arms. A firm grip on the handle and button can cause you to fracture your hand. The pressure applied to the bead builds up until the bead breaks loose, yanking the handle out of your hand. A firm grip can yank your hand with it causing injury.

The Turntable and Manual Arm

• The turntable does not have any safety features typically. A tire is placed onto the turntable and hydraulic clamps grab the rim. The clamps can catch any loose clothing or appendage when the clamps are closing or opening. Placing a tire into the clamps incorrectly can cause the tire to fly off violently in any direction. You use pry bars in conjunction with the turntable and arm. Improper placement of the arm while dismounting or mounting a tire could cause the pry bar to fly up at high speeds. Any body parts in the way will be injured.

Additional Parts

• Some tire mounting machines use a hydraulic arm alongside the manual arm. The hydraulic arm presses down on the sidewall of a tire to create pressure points. Improper placement of the arm while the turntable is spinning can cause the arm to flex. The sidewall of the tire, the arm or pieces from the arm could be damaged, and fly off in any direction. Any fingers, hands or arms in the path of the hydraulic arm while it is being lowered will be pinched between the surface of the tire and the arm, causing crushing injuries.